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Overview

Synopsis

Laura Wade’s adaptation of Sarah Waters’ best-selling novel, Tipping the Velvet, tells the story of Nancy Astley, an oyster girl from Kent. Nancy goes to her local music hall every night, desperate to catch the rose of the headline act, Kitty Butler, the girl who wears trousers. When the two women meet, the spark is immediate and Nancy follows Kitty to London, giddy with desire and yearning for excitement. Nancy falls deeply in love with Kitty and the couple become a successful, cross-dressing music hall double act. However, Nancy’s heart is broken when Kitty marries their manager, Walter, and chooses respectability over love. Nancy falls into a whirlwind of adventures across the city, first becoming a ‘rent boy’ in Soho Square and then being taken on as the kept lover of Diana, a wealthy widow with unusual sexual appetites. When she is thrown out by Diana after sleeping with her maid, Nancy is rescued by Florence, an east end socialist who knows the underground lesbian scene well. Florence falls for Nancy, but wonders whether Nancy will ever let her guard down and open her heart. Nancy’s journey of self-discovery is overseen by the Chairman, a ring-master, conductor, and MC all rolled into one. He fills in the gaps for the audience and urges Nancy to keep the drama flowing. However, ultimately, Nancy must take charge of her own life and find her place in the world with Florence by her side.

Editor’s Note: This play contains scenes of a sexual nature.

Show Information

Book
Laura Wade
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Sarah Water's Tipping the Velvet (1998 novel)
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2015
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Settings
Multiple Settings, Period
Time & Place
London, England, 1887
Cast Size
large
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Nancy Astley

Lead

Female

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Kitty Butler

Supporting

Female

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Walter Bliss

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Diana

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

The Chairman

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mother

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Alice

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Sweet Alice

Supporting

Male

Florence

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Blake

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mrs Jex

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Ralph

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Father

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Mrs Dendy

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Charlie

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Mary

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Evelyn

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Dickie

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Joseph

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Archie

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Annie

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Jenny

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Susie

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Emily

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher